She was born April 1, 1917, in Carey, Idaho, to Joseph Gibbons Dilworth & Miriam Pendleton Howard Dilworth. Leah graduated from Carey High School. She worked on farms and did cooking and housekeeping for the Painter's "Bed & Breakfast" hotel.

She met and married Charles William Nielson Dec 26, 1936 in Paul, Idaho. In June of 1937, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Bill' and Leah met at dances and then danced wonderfully together for 58 years until he passed away April 30, 1995, in Idaho Falls.

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all her life, she served as MIA President at age 19. Other positions followed: Primary President several times, chorister, choir director, teacher, librarian, dance & drama director, and visiting teaching coordinator in Oregon & Boise, Idaho wards.

She began a Primary at her home in Milton-Freewater, Oregon rather than transport all the children to the ward in Walla Walla, Washington. When they outgrew her home, they rented a nearby Gun Club. It wasn't long until the Stake saw the progress and made Milton-Freewater a dependent branch.

She was a busy and diligent mother of eight energetic children and an active partner with her school teacher husband. She helped him remodel homes in Burley, Moscow, Pendleton and Umatilla - also building two new homes in Pendleton and two in Milton-Freewater. Then moving a home in Umatilla, Oregon and finishing it - putting on new siding, shingles and paint.

The deep faith with which she lived her life and her selfless devotion to her husband and family continues to fill our hearts. She has instilled in each of us that same true faith and devotion to one another and to our Heavenly Father. We who knew Leah are celebrating her brilliance, faith, strength, passion, warmth and her spirit. The world is a better place for Leah having been here.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; daughter, Lori Jo Hadlock (Alan); parents; a sister, Vida Dilworth Thompson; two brothers, Stanley and Melvin Dilworth; and two grandsons.

She is survived by: Children: Merritt Nielson (Robin) and Allen Nielson (Loa) of Bellevue, WA; Aurelia Clemons (Richard) of Idaho Falls, ID; Nita Field (R.J. deceased) of McLoud, OK; Dennis Nielson (Laura) of Walla Walla, WA; Lanny Nielson (Grace) of Provo, UT; and Kim Nielson (Denise) of Chandler, AZ.; brothers: Marold Dilworth of Carey and Orvis Dilworth (Florence) of Burley; sisters: Emily Bell of Kuna and Leora Adams of Meridian, ID; 26 Grandchildren, 44 Great-grandchildren, and 1 Great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 19, 2008, at the Lincoln LDS Third Ward Chapel, 2545 Mesa, with Bishop Willard Berry officiating. The family will visit with friends from 7-9:00 p.m. Friday, January 18, 2008, at Coltrin mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls, and Saturday one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.